HM Sultan Brunei Celebrates Eid with Persons of Different Abilities

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, lauded government agencies and stakeholders for their commendable efforts in improving the welfare of differently-abled people.

His Majesty, in a titah delivered during the Hari Raya celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday, welcomed the inclusion of the special group of differently-abled people, the government agencies, stakeholders and NGOs committed to the care and support of the special group in the celebration.

“Caring for this special group of people is indeed a part of our responsibility, as is their education in terms of spiritual of otherwise,” said His Majesty who also cited guidance portrayed in the Al-Quran on the need to care for the differently abled.

“Alhamdulillah, in attending to their welfare, the government has set aside provisions meant to enhance their capabilities through various programmes and schemes. Apart from the subsistence allowance, special care and attention has also been focused on their education especially formal education for children,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty also lauded the initiatives of YSHHB in providing continued support to agencies and stakeholders dedicated to the betterment of the lives of those among the special group of people.

“Assist them to lead a life that is at par or similar to others in society; pray that they may achieve the happiness and prosperity enjoyed by the community,” said His Majesty. “Such are our expectations for them.”

The gathering paid tribute to the sultanate’s groups of differently abled people, including those from SMARTER Brunei, Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB), the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA) and the National Association of the Deaf (OKP).

This was followed by welcoming remarks from Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, in his capacity as chairman of the YSHHB board of directors.

The minister said besides the differently abled group, volunteers who provided assistance, guidance and training to them were also invited to attend the event as an appreciation to their continuous efforts and commitments giving their support and care.

The event also saw six volunteers from the foundation given appreciation awards for their active participation in charity projects carried out by the YSHHB.

The volunteers included Ali Yusri Hj Abd Ghafor, Assistant Director of Counseling and Career Guidance Section at the Department of Schools and Dr Yabit Alas, the Director of Continuing Education Centre (CEC) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Nine non-government organisations that supported welfare of people with different abilities were also given appreciation awards for their contributions and efforts in alleviating the welfare of people with different abilities.

Besides SMARTER Brunei, BDNAB, KACA and OKP, the nine NGOs receiving the appreciation award also include the Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD), Learning Ladders Society, Association for Paraplegic and Physically Handicapped People of Brunei Darussalam (PAPDA), Pusat Ehsan and Down Syndrome Association.

During the celebration, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were treated to a series of musical and stage performances by students from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School, Pusat Ehsan and SMARTER Brunei. Among the performers were His Majesty's grandaughters, YAM Pengiran Anak Raqeeqah Rayatul Bolqiah Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim and YAM Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil.

The royal entourage was also treated to a video titled ‘The Charity Projects of YSHHB’, showcasing a footage of the foundation’s Educational Intervention Programme (PIP), Aid Project to Help Improve Socio-Economy and to Eradicate Poverty (PBSE), Caring for the Elderly and Families in Need Charity Project (PAWEK) and the Emergency and Social Welfare Aid Project (PBKK).

A meet-and-greet session with the invited guests also took place followed by a tour of the exhibition showcasing various displays from 12 agencies that are involved in providing development and rehabilitation services for people with different abilities.

The showcase includes collages and posters explaining various activities and projects carried out by them and also some of the handiworks done by students under the care of each and every related NGO.

Besides the NGOs receiving the appreciation awards, participating in the one-day exhibition were the Special Education Unit (UPK), Pusat Bahagia under the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and Child Development Centre (CDC) under the Ministry of Health (MoH).

DESPITE first making its appearance in the Sultanate during the 1940s, Kuih Mor continues to be a household favourite today as a tea time snack or festive treat particularly during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Siti Norhafizah Hj Bagol, a final year student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam who researched on Kuih Mor as part of her Brunei Traditional Industry module, said the three-ingredient sweet treat may have existed in Brunei as early as the 1940s when padi was known to have been grown to make different food items.

Over time, the cookie has also become a popular door-gift choice often handed out at Malay weddings or gatherings, said Siti Norhafizah.

Made with flour, oil and granulated sugar which have been ground into a powder, the bite-sized biscuits have a crumbly texture and are coated with powdered sugar.

The age-old technique of making Kuih Mor by hand has however changed over the course of time, with many now opt…

BY COMMAND of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Office hereby announces that His Majesty has consented to the transfer and appointment of the following senior officers – Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Solicitor General has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Datin Elinda binti Haji CA Mohamed, Special Senior Duties Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau.